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Which AC Condenser
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 1:27 pm
by ifixalot
During the replacement of the radiator, I discovered the AC condenser is toast.
I got it new off Ebay a few years back, the in/out tubes looked weak and that is where it cracked.
I hesitate to buy used due to corrosion.
Does anyone have a recommendation which AC condenser on Ebay is good quality?
Thanks
Re: Which AC Condenser
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 1:32 pm
by Asylum
Probably NONE!!
Try Rock Auto.
Re: Which AC Condenser
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 2:27 pm
by 3X00-Modified
I will agree that probably none on ebay are guaranteed to be good, Never mind most stuff on ebay does not carry any warranty.
The next thing I will ask is what did you do to the pipes to crack them? I ask because they are only soft aluminum, so they will ALWAYS seem and feel very brittle.
The top line should be supported against the radiator with a small clamp which is the most susceptible to movement, the bottom line is connected to the drier with a hard line so movement there shouldn't exist unless something isn't secured properly.
Re: Which AC Condenser
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 3:16 pm
by ifixalot
There are also many at Rock auto to choose from. Prices from $80 to $200. Some are the same brand as I find at Ebay.
It was installed properly, I.E. attached to the radiator. I carefully unscrewed the strap to the radiator.
Upon installation of the new radiator, I noticed the pipe seemed wobbly. Looking at it, it was still welded to it's support
flange but was loose from the evaporator area. We heard no hiss of gas escaping so it lost pressure previous.
The support flange weld was just a dot. It was not halfway around the pipe as it should have been.
Re: Which AC Condenser
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 3:31 pm
by 3X00-Modified
I'd start with figuring out what brand you bought, compare that to RA, then buy something more expensive than that... That's the only way you can possibly ensure better quality without picking up different brands in hand to see what differs. It's still a crap shoot and guessing though.
Re: Which AC Condenser
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 4:42 pm
by Slinky
Summit sells a universal condensor that I was most likely going to try this spring..
http://m.summitracing.com/parts/bci-76001
Re: Which AC Condenser
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 5:45 pm
by 3X00-Modified
Why do universal stuff when oem stuff will still fit?
Re: Which AC Condenser
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 6:52 pm
by Asylum
There are some things you can go cheap on and others you probably shouldn't!
An A/C compressor likely falls into the "You get what you pay for" category!!
FWIW!
Re: Which AC Condenser
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 6:55 pm
by ifixalot
$229!!! That thing is more than an ACDELCO that is a direct fit.!
I can't find a record at Ebay of what I bought.
They don't go let you go back that far.
I think it was about 4-5 years ago that I bought it.
I think I may try the Spectra from Rock Auto.
Even with shipping about the same price as Ebay.
I'm no big fan of Ebay. I consider them a necessary evil.
Re: Which AC Condenser
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 7:49 pm
by Slinky
3X00-Modified wrote:Why do universal stuff when oem stuff will still fit?
If the stock one would fit on my aftermarket rad with my oil cooler I would use it..
Re: Which AC Condenser
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 10:41 am
by ifixalot
I ordered the Spectra for $83 plus shipping from Rock Auto giving reference to Beretta.net.
Has a 24 month warranty, car has 200k miles on it. It'll probably outlast
the car.